Beginning June 1, Dr. Holly Carter, director of study abroad and Harlaxton College Programs at the University of Evansville, has been appointed interim principal for Harlaxton College, UE’s study abroad center in Grantham, England.
Carter has been with the University since 2015 as director of the Office of Study Abroad and Harlaxton College Programs. During this time, Carter has expanded partnerships around the world and has significantly grown the Harlaxton custom program enterprise.
Carter serves as an Ashoka Change Leader for UE and will also bring those skills to the UK, including an incredible passion for the values of the University. She was recognized for this commitment with a Changee Award as well as Student Organization Advisor of the Year and Club of the Year for her efforts with UE’s Barn Blitz Program. Her work in these areas led to UE winning the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: the Society of International Educators.
Carter brings over 20 years of experience in academia to the role. She holds a PhD in sociology focusing on the National Health Service (NHS), providing healthcare for all UK citizens, as well as a Master of Public Health focusing on global community health. She also earned a Master of Philosophy in sociology from the University of Glasgow where she completed her doctoral research into service inequalities in the NHS system. Carter’s broad education also includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a bachelor’s degree in French language and literature. Carter recently completed an executive program in leadership at the Owen School at Vanderbilt University.
Carter has deep expertise in education abroad. She has managed multiple overseas study sites, including the Paris program for the University System of Georgia, a medical site in Cusco, Peru, and a campus site in Angers, France. Carter serves on multiple national education abroad committees is currently the dean of NAFSA’s Risk Assessment and Crisis Management Continuing Education Program, the chair elect of NAFSA’s Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Knowledge Community, and author in NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad.
Carter’s past roles in academic administration include assistant vice president for international affairs at Georgia Regents University and assistant provost at Queens University of Charlotte. She is also a dedicated volunteer for Habitat for Humanity International both locally and globally, having led 35 teams around the world to build houses. She serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville.
Carter is excited about this opportunity to lead Harlaxton through key times and notes:
“Harlaxton and UE have a 50-year relationship that we will celebrate in 2021. It’s an exciting time to see what the next 50 years will hold for us. With the Changemaking opportunities that are now upon us locally and globally, I look forward to the Manor becoming a hub for good in the world.”
UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz noted, “With nearly half of UE students studying abroad at Harlaxton during their time at UE, it is a crown jewel of the University, and we have never been more invested in, or dedicated to its future. We are thrilled to have Dr. Carter step into this role during a time of transition for Harlaxton College. Her leadership will inspire innovation and position Harlaxton for success in the changing landscape of study abroad.”
Dr. Carter’s appointment comes as Dr. Gerald Seaman ends his tenure as principal.
“Throughout Dr. Seaman’s six years as principal, he and his wife Patti welcomed hundreds of students to Harlaxton, ushering them through the life-changing experience at the Manor,” said President Pietruszkiewicz. “We wish the Seaman family the very best and extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Seaman for his dedication to Harlaxton College.”
